Thursday, March 28, 2024

GHS Martinez finishes 8th at State cross country meet.

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Martinez closes in eighth in boys race

Carlo Martinez had one thing in mind at the state cross country meet Saturday at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock — just keep passing the other runners.

The Gatesville High School junior did that until stretching over the finish line in eighth place in the 5K race for the Class 4A boys race. He ran a 16:02 time, while senior teammate Luis Macias was five seconds behind in 16:07 for 11th place.

“Throughout the race, I thought of nothing but finishing with the sole goal to beat the person in front of me,’’ Martinez said. “When I finished the race, though dizzy, I was glad to see my community there supporting our Gatesville cross country team.’’

Micah Swann of Athens High School took the gold in winning the 4A boys race in a time of 15:42.

In the girls 2-mile Class 4A race, Gatesville’s Vania Martinez took 15th place with a time of 11:56. It was the first trip to state for three of the Hornets’ foursome. Gatesville sophomore Bethany Penrod took 70th place in a time of 12:42.

“I am very proud of all of them,’’ Gatesville coach Eliott Kelley said. “Their positive attitude was the primary reason they all showed competitive greatness at the highest level. It enabled them to focus on their goals and not get burnt out throughout the grind of the season.

“Each and every one including the ones that didn't make it (to the state meet) showed continuous improvement. Vania (showed) maturity as a freshman. Bethany (who) ran similar to our past state qualifiers deserves as much recognition for her improvements and performance.’’

Martinez was making his second appearance in the state meet.

“I was glad to have gotten another state experience; and going forward, I will be putting myself though more intense training for the sole purpose to be the best,’’ Martinez said.

Coach Kelley will have three of the four back next season, led by the hard-working Martinez, who got up at 5 a.m. to run most days before and also through the school season.

“Carlo is just a beast and is a special athlete,’’ Kelley said. ”Luis (Macias) is an amazing athlete that has many talents besides running. He has one heck of a leg as a kicker on the football team and is a difference-maker in soccer. His best performance in cross country was his last. I couldn't be more proud of him. His smile at the 2- mile mark during the state race was priceless. College recruiters at the finish line wanting to throw in their last bid for him at the next level put another smile on his face that will last me a lifetime of memories. All in all these four are a special breed and I am glad to have been a part of that.’’